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Parliamentary Questions
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At least one member of the Judiciary (Justice Charleton) has called for a restatement of the law allright, as has the law reform commission since 2004; but none have called for any actual changes in it, just to write it all down in one place.
Which makes a lot more sense than to call for changes, in my opinion, because right now so few people actually have a working understanding of what the law actually is, that anyone claiming to know how to change it for the better is making a very very large claim indeed and would need a fairly sizeable amount of evidence to back up their opinion rationally and legally.
Write it down in one place, let's all see how flawed it actually is, and then let's fix it.0 -
At least one member of the Judiciary (Justice Charleton) has called for a restatement of the law allright, as has the law reform commission since 2004; but none have called for any actual changes in it, just to write it all down in one place.
Which makes a lot more sense than to call for changes, in my opinion, because right now so few people actually have a working understanding of what the law actually is, that anyone claiming to know how to change it for the better is making a very very large claim indeed and would need a fairly sizeable amount of evidence to back up their opinion rationally and legally.
Write it down in one place, let's all see how flawed it actually is, and then let's fix it.
Maybe a flock of pigs just flew by under a blue moon but I absolutely agree with everything you said there!0 -
25 March 2014:Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
769. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the recommendations he has received from An Garda Síochána and his Department in relation to changes to firearm licences; if he accepts the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13493/14]
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
772. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his proposals to change the firearm licensing system to involve compensation for affected owners, a risk analysis of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13496/14]
Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 769 and 772 together.
My Department is examining key issues relating to licensing in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. The issues include the rationale for and matters arising in relation to any proposed changes. Recommendations are currently being finalised and I expect to receive a report in due course. No decisions will be made in advance of consideration of these recommendations. Opportunities for consultation with relevant stakeholders will be explored when work on the proposals is further advanced.Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
770. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current total number of restricted handguns currently licensed to sports persons here; the total number of non-restricted handguns currently licensed to sports persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13494/14]
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
771. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of firearm licenses presented in tabular form broken down by type; if membership of a sports club is necessary and on a per county currently held in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13495/14]
Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 770 and 771 together.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to these matters and will write to the Deputy when I have further information.0 -
"Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 769 and 772 together.
My Department is examining key issues relating to licensing in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. The issues include the rationale for and matters arising in relation to any proposed changes. Recommendations are currently being finalised and I expect to receive a report in due course. No decisions will be made in advance of consideration of these recommendations. Opportunities for consultation with relevant stakeholders will be explored when work on the proposals is further advanced."
One helluva mixed-up answer by Alan Shatter's usual piquant standard.0 -
"Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 769 and 772 together.
My Department is examining key issues relating to licensing in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. The issues include the rationale for and matters arising in relation to any proposed changes. Recommendations are currently being finalised and I expect to receive a report in due course. No decisions will be made in advance of consideration of these recommendations. Opportunities for consultation with relevant stakeholders will be explored when work on the proposals is further advanced."
One helluva mixed-up answer by Alan Shatter's usual piquant standard.
It will be interesting indeed to discover who the 'relevant stakeholders' are, in the opinion of the Minister.
tac0 -
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Everyone who was on the FCP and anyone else who asks, basically. (Yes, I asked).0
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Thank you.
tac0 -
1 April 2014:Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
440. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 580 of 18 January 2014, when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15331/14]
Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
I refer the Deputy to a letter issued to him on the 31st of March 2014 in relation to this matter, which states the following:
I refer further to your Parliamentary Question No. 580 of 18 February 2014 and the details supplied therein.
It would be inappropriate to comment as the issues raised were before the courts and have been the subject of court decision and I cannot intervene in how court proceedings are conducted or on the outcome of those proceedings.
However, I can advise that under Section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, which inserted a new Section 4 into the Firearms Act 1925, an issuing person shall not grant a firearm certificate unless satisfied the applicant complies with a number of conditions referred to in the Section including good reason, that the applicant can possess, use and carry the firearm without danger to the public safety or security or the peace, is not disentitled, has provided secure accommodation for the firearm, referees, medical enquiries etc.
Each application for a firearm certificate requires the issuing person to consider a wide range of factors prior to making a final decision and further information may be required from the applicant in some cases.
I can further advise that the licensing of firearms is an operational matter and each application is judged on its own individual merits and the decision on whether, or not, to grant a firearm certificate rests solely with the issuing person. The decision of the issuing person cannot be fettered in any way and I have no role in the matter.
However, applicants, who have been refused and are dissatisfied with the decision of an issuing person, have recourse to appeal that decision to the District Court, in accordance with the provisions of section 15A of the Firearms Act 1925, as inserted by section 43 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.0 -
8 April 2014Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
438. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will request the Garda Inspectorate to carry out an inquiry into the administration of the firearm licensing system by An Garda Síochána since 2009, in view of the fact that over 600 cases have been successfully taken to the courts against Garda decisions. [16357/14]
Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
The Deputy will appreciate that firearms legislation provides for an appeal to the District Court where a firearms license has been refused by An Garda Síochána. In addition, there have been a number of judicial review cases in this area in the context of persons whose applications for firearms licenses have been refused. My paramount concern in this area is public safety. In light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the judiciary, my Department is currently examining key policy, legislative, administrative and other issues relating to firearms licensing in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. I expect to receive a report on this matter in due course. When I have considered that report I will decide what further action is necessary in relation to the administration of the firearms licensing system. Consultation with relevant stakeholders will be addressed before any decisions are finalised in relation to proposals for change to the firearms licensing system.0 -
30 April 2014:Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
15. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to change gun licensing laws here; the consultations he has held on the matter; the recommendations from the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19265/14]
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
534. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received recommendations regarding changes to the licensing of firearms following an examination between his Department and An Gárda Síochána; the current status of such proposals; if he will consult with relevant stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18633/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
570. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to engage with stakeholders prior to completing his review on firearms. [18978/14]
Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
601. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is aware of the serious concerns being expressed by shooting, hunting and sporting interests in relation to the firearms licensing system and the need for an independent licensing system which has its primary focus on the character of the applicant and the safety and security of the citizens arising therefrom; if he has received the submission form the sports coalition dealing with a fundamental review of the system (details supplied) if consideration will be given to opening dialogue with these stakeholders in respect thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19549/14]
Alan Shatter (Minister, Department of Justice, Equality and Defence; Dublin South, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 534, 570 and 601 together.
In light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the judiciary, my Department is currently examining key policy, legislative, administrative and other issues relating to firearms licensing in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. I expect to receive and consider a report in relation to these matters within 2 months. When I have considered that report I will consider what further action is necessary in relation to the firearms licensing system, including the proposal from interest groups for an examination of relevant administrative issues by the Garda Inspectorate.
Officials of my Department met key interest groups in late 2013 and early 2014 who set out their concerns in relation to a range of issues regarding firearms licensing at that time. These interest groups have also communicated their views directly to me, as well as to all Oireachtas members.
Further consultation with relevant stakeholders will take place when I have considered the report and before any decisions are finalised in relation to proposals for change to the firearms licensing system.0 -
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4 June 2014Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
154. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of handguns, to include pistols and revolvers, in respect of which firearm certificates were granted by An Garda Síochána for periods (details supplied). [23859/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to this matter and will write to the Deputy when I have further information.
5 June 2014Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
155. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of handguns, to include pistols and revolvers, in respect of which importation licences were granted to persons other than registered firearms dealers in the years (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23860/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Section 17 of the Firearms Act 1925 provides for restrictions on the importation of firearms into the State. The main restriction is the requirement for an importation licence for such importation.
However, Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1964 provides that the restriction imposed by section 17 of the Firearms Act 1925 shall not apply in relation to the importation of a firearm by the holder of a firearm certificate in respect of the firearm which is in force. This means that a person other than a firearms dealer, with a firearm certificate for the firearm in question, does not require an importation licence. Accordingly, there is no legal requirement for importation licences for handguns for licensed individuals.Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
93. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason, when members of the public apply for firearms licences, they are not issued with receipts from a garda or superintendent; if she sees merit in changing this policy to ensure that there will be no confusion regarding lost documents in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24058/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I can inform the Deputy that an application for a firearms certificate is forwarded to the local Garda station of the applicant. Details of the application are then entered onto the Garda PULSE system, after which a letter of receipt of the application is automatically printed and then posted to the applicant from the local District Office. This letter of receipt is signed by the issuing person.
The issue of a receipt at the time of lodging an application for a firearms certificate (rather than at the time details of the application are entered onto the PULSE system) is one of a number of issues in relation to the firearms licensing system which has been raised by a coalition of "shooting" interest groups. It is being considered as part of a joint review of firearms licensing being carried out by my Department and An Garda Síochána.0 -
Why would Lucinda Creighton be asking how many handguns have been licenced or imported?
I'm really curious about what benefit would she gain by knowing this?0 -
I guess that knowing that fifty target-type .22cal handguns had been imported, sold and licensed, but the Gardaí has meanwhile seized fifty 9mm cal pistols should show 'some' evidence of an illegal trade in firearms.
Just as us ordinary folk have known to be fact for years - a fact that seems to have eluded our politicians equally as long.
Let's be honest here - we often get the distinct impression that they operate on a different plane of existence to us mere mortals. To give an example - here in UK a few years back, one of these strangely-detached-from-reality representatives of government actually proposed that 'a register of illegal firearms be made a compulsory part of our fight against gun crime...'
You really couldn't make it up.
Same goes for licensing - only the law-abiding have licensed handguns - as for the criminals....well...........
tac0 -
BattleCorp wrote: »Why would Lucinda Creighton be asking how many handguns have been licenced or imported?
I'm really curious about what benefit would she gain by knowing this?
I doubt she is asking so she can give us a thumbs-up for being good sports people.0 -
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I wouldn't worry too much about Lucinda Creighton at the moment since she's managed to get herself removed from the government benches over the abortion issue. Disloyalty towards the party line does not be forgotten easily.0
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she still has a soapbox and a voice and thats all is needed to start things off,you seen how easily it happened to a new range that was trying to be started up only for it to be knocked down as quick by a few "public representives" and a keyboardmeathstevie wrote: »I wouldn't worry too much about Lucinda Creighton at the moment since she's managed to get herself removed from the government benches over the abortion issue. Disloyalty towards the party line does not be forgotten easily.0 -
True but there's a world of difference between scuppering a planning application and changing legislation.0
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True. However, Jim Deasy managed the latter by just embarressing the minister and we lost centerfire pistols that way.
What worries me more though is that last line about the "coalition" sending in suggestions to the Minister for new legislation, given the track record of the NASRPC in that regard...0 -
Interesting, especially with what has been going on of late.
Sikamick0 -
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10 June 2014Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
435. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of handguns, to include pistols and revolvers, in respect of which firearm certificates were refused and or declined by An Garda Síochána for the periods (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24337/14]
Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
436. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of handguns, to include pistols and revolvers, in respect of which the renewal of firearm certificates were refused and or declined by An Garda Síochána for the periods (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24338/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 435 and 436 together.
I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that the information sought is not available. The previous database maintained by them prior to the introduction of a new system of firearms licensing in 2009 did not record applications or categorise certificates under the status of refused.Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
448. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of instances of theft of firearms from firearms dealers' premises in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24696/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
449. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms stolen in each instance of theft from firearms dealers' premises in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24697/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
450. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of each firearm type by reference to handguns, rifles, shotguns, blank firing guns, antique guns and deactivated guns reported stolen in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24698/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
451. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms used in crimes in the past five years that were recovered by the Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24699/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
452. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms recovered from crimes which were identified as having been stolen from licensed firearms owners, other than firearms stolen from firearms dealers or members of the Garda or Defence Forces, in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24700/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 448 to 452, inclusive, together.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to these matters and will write to the Deputy when I have further information.Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
453. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she or the Garda Commissioner have commissioned an independent risk assessment in accordance with accepted best internationally recognised standards to determine the actual risk associated with lawful firearms ownership having regard to the legal requirements that apply to firearms licence applicants in this jurisdiction; if no such risk assessment has been undertaken, her views on whether this should be undertaken before any new legislative proposals are considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24701/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
454. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will meet representatives of various sports shooting associations regarding the maladministration of the firearms licensing laws by the Garda Síochána and whose arguments have been supported by almost 600 court judgements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24702/14]
Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
455. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality having regard to the widespread disquiet among sports shooting organisations at the manner in which the Garda has administered the firearms licensing code over the past four years, the enormous number of court judgements against the Garda arising from their members' complaints and the importance of the integrity of the firearms licensing code for public safety, if she plans to include an examination of the way the Garda conducted the administration of the system in any of the statutory reviews into the Garda and its operations which are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24703/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 to 455, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, in light of public safety concerns highlighted by the Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the Judiciary, my Department is currently examining key policy, legislative, administrative and other issues relating to firearms licensing in conjunction with the Garda Síochána. I expect to receive and consider a report in relation to these matters in the near future. When I have considered that report I will consider what further action is necessary in relation to the firearms licensing system, including the proposal from interest groups for an examination of relevant administrative issues by the Garda Inspectorate.
Officials of my Department met key interest groups in late 2013 and early 2014 who set out their concerns in relation to a range of issues regarding firearms licensing at that time. These interest groups have also communicated their views directly to me, as well as to all Oireachtas members. Further consultation with relevant stakeholders will take place when I have considered the report and before any decisions are finalised in relation to proposals for change to the firearms licensing system. I will decide on the nature of the consultation and what meetings are appropriate at the time I am considering the report.
In so far as a risk assessment is concerned, I am advised that the draft report has regard to recent relevant EU Commission reports and developments in other jurisdictions in relation to public safety. However, I should say that is difficult to see how any risk assessment could foresee the tragic events in Dunblane, Scotland in 2006, Utoya, Norway in 2011, Sandy Hook, Connecticut in 2012 or Santa Barbara, California in May 2014. Mass shootings are happening with increasing frequency and a common theme is that the firearms used are legally owned. I think it is only right that we consider options now, rather than endure a similar tragedy here, when people will rightly ask why we as legislators did nothing to prevent it.
And that's exactly what we were warning about when we pointed out that poking at the Minister at this time was a spectacularly bad idea. The review, which would have died a death, has now been beaten back to life by the "Coalition" who are the people the minister is talking about, and whomever in that coalition has been speaking to her has given her such a bad impression of us that she's looking at mass shootings when thinking about reviewing the firearms act.
Ye ever think maybe our worst enemies weren't in the government or the gardai lads?0 -
I would disagree, the guards wanted limitations on firearms, they have been found to be doing so in a manner that was "incorrect" vis a vis the interpretation of the handgun licensing/ restricted firearms , so they are now probably going to change the rules.
I would expect a centralized application procedure , with further restrictions on "restricted" firearms.0 -
Curious that you should use that exact choice of words Chiparus...0
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12 June 2014Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
169. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider setting up an independent firearms licensing authority with its primary focus on the character of the applicant, including safety and security concerns, with a non-judicial appeals system for refusals. [24993/14]
Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
178. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the issues raised by the National Association of Regional Game Councils in relation to the licencing of firearms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25148/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 178 together.
As the Deputy is aware, in light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the judiciary, my Department is currently examining key policy, legislative, administrative and other issues relating to firearms licensing in conjunction with An Garda Síochána. I expect to receive and consider a report in relation to these matters in the near future. When I have considered that report I will consider what further action is necessary in relation to the firearms licensing system.
Officials of my Department met key interest groups in late 2013 and early 2014 who set out their concerns in relation to a range of issues regarding firearms licensing at that time. These interest groups have also communicated their views directly to me, as well as to all Oireachtas members. Further consultation with relevant stakeholders will take place when I have considered the report and before any decisions are finalised in relation to proposals for change to the firearms licensing system. I will decide on the nature of the consultation and what meetings are appropriate at the time I am considering the report.0 -
18 June 2014Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
155. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of the years 2009 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014, if she will confirm per year and in tabular form, the number of individual District Court cases taken against An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the number of individual District Court orders issued against An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the number of individual District Court orders issued in favour of An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the costs to the taxpayer of the District Court orders issued against An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the number of individual High Court cases taken against An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the number of individual High Court orders issued against An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the number of individual High Court orders issued in favour of An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; the costs to the taxpayer of the High Court orders issued against An Garda Síochána in respect of firearms licensing decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26206/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
The Courts Service has advised that the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and could only be retrieved by way of a manual examination of each individual court record. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, this would require the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources which cannot be justified.
I have also asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to these matters and will write to the Deputy when I have further information.0 -
Silly thought, and it might seem counterproductive to what i've being saying about letting "sleeping dogs lie", but would an NGB/FSAI not try and make up these figures themselves? FOI requests, and compile the list that so many are seeking. Not to start shouting about/with, but to have.
In this instance showing the amount of cases taken, and lost by An Garaí, the cost involved in such cases, and the fact they were not on sufficiently stable legal ground for some refusals (no reasons given, blank refusals, mass refusals, etc. leading to court cases) would be in our favour?Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County
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I think highlighting the cost to the taxpayer could actually be counter productive, you could have people replying; 'Well people shouldn't have guns so take them away and there won't be any cost'.0
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Good point, but the information is there and whether the Minister does not want to or cannot be bothered to give the details requested it can be gotten. My point is the numbers may/will come out at some point.
I get your point about people saying just don't give us guns, but maybe (fingers, legs, etc crossed) some might have the good sense to see that a lot of the cases were unnecessary and the waste of money on such cases lies at the feet of the Supers and not the gun owners.
Absolutely a long shot, but as said if they are coming out anyway might be an idea to be at the head of it rather than scrambling for a "defense" later. Again i'm not condoning shouting and banging the table, but have the information beforehand and when/if necessary, use it.Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County
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I get your point about people saying just don't give us guns, but maybe (fingers, legs, etc crossed) some might have the good sense to see that a lot of the cases were unnecessary and the waste of money on such cases lies at the feet of the Supers and not the gun owners.
Depends how its spun in the media.0 -
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Not sport-related, but may impact on the sport so including these here:
24 June 2014Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
78. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action she will take to tackle gun crime here; the number of firearms offences that have been recorded to date this year; the number of successful convictions for firearms offences that have been recorded this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26698/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
The House will not need reminding of the consequences of gun crime, and will join with me, I am sure, in expressing our collective outrage at the appalling recent incident which resulted in a child being shot. Our sympathy is with this young boy and his family, and as I outlined to the House last week, An Garda Síochána is determined to bring to justice those involved.
I can also assure the Deputy that gun crime generally is being tackled aggressively by An Garda Síochána by means of a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, often disrupting and preventing incidents before harm is caused, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. I recently discussed the challenges presented by this type of crime, and particularly its association with organised crime, with the Acting Commissioner, who outlined the substantial efforts being made by An Garda Síochána to identify and target those involved.
In particular, the 2014 Policing Plan of An Garda Síochána sets outs this continued commitment to confront groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including by employing multi-disciplinary approaches and utilising all available resources and legislation. Advanced analytical and intelligence methods are applied, and proactive high-visibility checkpoints, patrols and searches are deployed, coordinated with armed response capacity to ensure that such resources are focused on key locations and periods. In addition to these enforcement measures, An Garda Síochána also engages extensively with communities in a range of fora to address local concerns relating to crime and community safety, including the impact that organised crime can have at a community level. An Garda Síochána also works closely with other law enforcement agencies to tackle the transnational dimension to organised crime, and there are substantial multi-agency operations in place to tackle drug trafficking, as well as other smuggling activity associated with organised crime.
In relation to the statistics requested by the Deputy, as he will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the production of the official Recorded Crime Statistics and I have asked the CSO to compile and provide the Deputy with the specific statistics he has requested in his question insofar as they are available. What I can tell the House is that the most recent figures, which are for the full year of 2013, show that the number of crimes where a firearm was involved reduced by more than 7%. Total weapons and explosives offences were also down, by nearly 10%. These figures should also be seen in the context of a general reduction in most categories of offences, reflecting well on the work of An Garda Síochána.Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
463. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action she will take to tackle the rising gun crime in parts of Dublin city after the shooting of a six year old recently in the city; if she has met with the superintendent in the area and all public representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26788/14]
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
502. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate resources remain available to An Garda Síochána to combat gun crime and the organised activity of criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27400/14]
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
505. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which An Garda Síochána has adequate resources to meet the challenges of organised criminal activity with particular reference to gun crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27403/14]
Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463, 502 and 505 together.
As I have already stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of today's date, the House will not need reminding of the consequences of gun crime, and will join with me, I am sure, in expressing our collective outrage at the appalling recent incident which resulted in a child being shot. Our sympathy is with this young boy and his family, and as I outlined to the House last week, An Garda Síochána is determined to bring to justice those involved. I have also indicated my willingness to meet members of the local community.
While the challenges faced are very real, Gardaí tackle organised and gun crime through a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, often disrupting and preventing incidents, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. I recently discussed the challenges presented by this type of crime, and particularly its association with organised crime, with the Acting Commissioner, who outlined the substantial efforts being made by An Garda Síochána to identify and target those involved.
Addressing organised crime is a key ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána and this priority is clearly reflected in the Garda Policing Plan for 2014. This priority is given effect through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations. This involves the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau and international cooperation including through Garda liaison officers based in other jurisdictions and in bodies such as Interpol and Europol.
We all appreciate the concern that gun crime gives rise to in the community but it is only right that we also we acknowledge that the number of crime incidents in which a firearm was involved was last seen down, by more than 7%. It is also important to note that, in addition to law enforcement and criminal investigation, the Gardaí work closely with local communities to address local concerns about crime and community safety, including through schemes to divert young people from getting involved in criminality.
It is clear to all that gun crime has for some time been an inherent part of organised criminal activity in this jurisdiction, as it is in other similar countries. This demands a robust response and this is precisely what is happening. Considerable powers and investigative tools are available to An Garda Síochána, to which we have recently added the DNA database legislation. The Gardaí make extensive use of these powers to tackle and disrupt organised crime, with persons regularly brought before the courts and substantial sentences handed down. I can assure the Deputy that confronting organised crime and the harm it causes is a priority for the Government and will certainly be a priority for me as Minister for Justice and Equality.
To my reading, those were good answers from the narrow viewpoint of "are we going to see stuff banned instead of actually tackling the problem".0
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